July 05, 2007

Door: MDW, Day Two

Day Two: The Resurrection of Folgers Instant CoffeeOur host had bins and bins of Folgers instant coffee; reminded me of past experiences in the wilderness where coffee was a necessary staple, and Folgers was always the brew of choice. The coffee proved useful as I was not used to sleeping in such clean air and my body was slow to rise from my deep relaxation, but all the while, my eyes were eager to soak in the landscape. The properties (three, two-bedroom houses) rested on North Bay, a few stone’s throws from Lake Michigan. Although the bay has been receding for the past few years, the pristine water gleamed bright, unlike Lake Michigan in Chicago.

After breakfast at Al Johnson’s (they have a grass roof with goats on it), known for its authentic Swedish cuisine, we did the tourist thing; checking out the local shops and inspecting the luxurious yachts in the marina. Soon there after, it was time to head back to the property and soak up some sun, start a bonfire, and grill out.

The BonfireAfter my failed attempt to create a successful fire, our host jumped in and created a roaring blaze, while I was left to gather wood. Soon, I was mesmerized by the ever encompassing scorch; and storytelling commenced among the Chicago Five. Gathered around the fire, overlooking the fresh bay views, cooking over open flame, we felt like men of old, long before the amenities of modern urban life, and shared tales of our youth; nothing like a campfire to inspire a verbal diatribe among men. Our nostalgia soon passed however, and it was time to check out the nightlife in Door County…THE RISE OF TED